Source: BISD to name Chargois as new super

Unless things change before next week, after interviewing two internal candidates this past Tuesday, March 27 – Timothy Chargois and Shirley Bonton – trustees with the Beaumont Independent School District will call a meeting to announce they are selecting Chargois to be the replacement for outgoing superintendent Carrol Thomas, sources have confirmed.

When contacted late Wednesday, Chargois said he couldn’t make any comments on the issue.

“That is a board issue,” he said. “I can’t comment.”

Chargois is a West Orange-Stark High School graduate who received his bachelor’s degree from Lamar University and went on to obtain a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin University. He achieved his doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University.

In 2000, he served as principal for Lucas Elementary. He is currently the point person for a multi-million grant from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and oversees the district’s academic achievement testing program.

Several district employees said Chargois is well liked and is well respected across the community and known to be “fair.”

In an interview several weeks ago, Chargois told the newspaper he believed he was “up to the challenge” when asked about putting his hat into the ring as Thomas’ replacement.

Although no board members contacted by The Examiner would confirm the tip, the source said the announcement would be made next week, possibly as early as Monday or Tuesday.

“I cannot discuss it,” said BISD trustee Mike Neil. “I gave my word that I would have no comment if I were asked.”

Trustee Tom Neild also declined to comment or confirm the tip, as did trustee Janice Brassard. BISD trustees Terry Williams, Zenobia Bush and Woodrow Reece did not return phone calls seeking information about the selection. The newspaper did not have a contact number for trustee Gwen Ambres.

The only board member would make any comment about the interviews was Brassard, who said, “We did two interviews and we have two really strong candidates. I have no further comment until we decide publicly what we are going to do.”